The Secret Garden @ The Alex

Name: The Secret Garden @ The Alex
Address: The Alex Hotel 41-47 Fenian Street, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland, Republic of, D02 H678
Telephone: (01) 607 3700
Price range: €31 to €50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

200 Reviews

€31 to €50

Irish

Top Tags:

The Alex welcomes you to dine and socialize in style. Come and experience the relaxed vibe of our dining spaces, serving up fresh, locally-sourced food and an extensive drinks menu.

Book an indulgent weekend brunch in our Secret Garden now.

The Secret Garden is our outside terrace and bar: the perfect space for outdoor dining. It’s a trendy, floral-inspired space with indulgent food and refreshing cocktails. With a fully retractable roof for those sunny days and heaters for when it gets chilly, the Secret Garden is the perfect option for al fresco dining, no matter the weather.

The Carriage is the hotel’s indoor restaurant bar, offering an a la carte lunch & dinner menu and full drinks menu throughout the day. Walk-in guests can request to sit in the Carriage for a la carte evening dining.

Please note we are a cashless restaurant and only

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Irish
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(01) 607 3700
Website
https://www.thealexhotel.ie/eat-drink/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
The Alex welcomes you to dine and socialise in style. Come and experience the relaxed vibe of our dining spaces, serving up fresh, locally-sourced food and an extensive drinks menu.<br />
Private party facilities
Dine and socialise in The Alex’s stylish bar and restaurant The Carriage, enjoy freshly grounded coffee at STEAM and unwind while dining al fresco at The Secret Garden.

Come and experience the relaxed vibe of our stylish setting and try one of our specialities over a carefully crafted cocktail.

Location
The Alex Hotel 41-47 Fenian Street Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 H678
Neighborhood
South City Centre
Parking details
Hotel Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Soup of the Day€7.00
Farmhouse butter, homemade Guinness bread. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Peanuts, Milk, Nuts, Sesame, Celery, Sulphur Dioxide
Seared Crab Cake€12.50
Buttered samphire, mango and corn salsa, lemon basil aioli. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Fish, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide, Crustaceans, Molluscs
Duck Pancakes€9.50
Shredded duck confit, pancakes, pepper, cucumber, scallions, hoisin sauce. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Soybeans, Mustard, Sesame
Baked Prawn & Chorizo€15.00
Cherry tomato, lemon and garlic butter, chilli, parmesan crust, bisque cream. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Fish, Milk, Mustard, Crustaceans, Molluscs
Deep Fried Brie€9.50
Filo, toasted nuts, roasted pepper coulis, quince jelly. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk

Salads

Classic Caesar Salad
Baby gem, bacon lardons, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomato, croûtons, boiled egg, Caesar dressing. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
- Starter€8.50
- Main€12.50
Spicy Duck Confit€13.50
Nduja sausage, chicory, Asian green, chilli, beansprouts, pine nuts, prawn crackers, lemongrass vinaigrette. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Soybeans, Nuts, Sesame, Celery, Crustaceans
Buddha Bowl€11.50
Sweet potato, cauliflower, kale, beets, almond, hummus, blackberry, lime oil drizzle. Allergens: Nuts (almonds), Sesame, Sulphur Dioxide
Falafel Bowl€11.50
Toasted sesame falafel, onion, tomato, spinach, olives, tortilla, spiced tomato ketchup, almond hummus. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Nuts (almonds), Sesame

Mains

Beer-Battered Cod & Chips€18.50
Spiced tomato ketchup, tartar sauce, lemon wegde, house cut chips. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Fish, Celery, Sulphur Dioxide
Beef Burger€17.00
Gem, lettuce, tomato, jalapeño relish, bacon, red cheddar, crispy onion, basil mayo, brioche bap, house cut chips. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
Baked Cod€17.50
Potato, peas and asparagus in bisque, lemon herb crust, tarragon hollandaise. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Fish, Celery, Crustaceans, Molluscs
10oz Striploin Steak€26.00
House cut chips, balsamic cherry tomato, crispy onion, rosemary red wine jus. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Soybeans, Milk, Celery, Sulphur Dioxide
Chicken Milanese€16.00
Breaded chicken breast, beans, olives and tomato cassoulet, spaghetti, parmesan and basil pesto, aged balsamic glaze. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Nuts, Sulphur Dioxide
Burrata Pappardelle€15.50
Heirloom tomato, sun-dried tomato, spinach, burrata, lemon basil crumbs, chili and garlic oil. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk
Piri-Piri Turkey Burger€17.00
Lemon cabbage salw, baby spinach, piri-piri mayo, tomtao relish, floury bap, house cut chips. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide

Sandwiches

Chicken Club€14.50
Marinated chicken, gem lettuce, plum tomato, grilled bacon, fried egg, mild remoulade on malted bloomer, side salad. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
Duo Cheese Toastie€9.50
Melted mature red cheddar, mozzarella on Firehouse sourdough, mustard bechamel, homemade spiced carrot n' coconut chutney, side salad. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Milk, Mustard
Steak Sandwich€16.50
Swiss cheese, white truffle aioli, mushroom fricasse, baby spinach, crispy onion on sourdough, house cut chips. Allergens: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
Vegan Sausage Sandwich€12.50
Malted brown bloomer, vegan sausages, baby spinach, coriander hummus, tomato & basil relish, side salad. Allergens: Gluten (wheat)

Sides

€4.50

Loaded Parmesan Fries
With truffle mayo. Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
House Cut Chips
Allergens: Gluten, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
Sweet Potato Fries
With piri-piri mayo. Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide
Zucchini Chips
With roasted garlic mayo. Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Sulphur Dioxide

Desserts

€7.50

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Tart
Orange sorbet, raspberry couils, toasted pistachio. Allergens: Peanuts, Soybeans, Nuts (Almonds, Peanuts)
Homemade Brownie
Mixed berry compote, raspberry sorbet. Allergen: Nuts (almonds)
Paganini Baileys Cheesecake
Clotted cream, lemon & mango purée. Allergens: Gluten (Wheat), Eggs, Soybeans, Milk
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Vanilla ice-cream, caramel. Allergens: Gluten (Wheat), Eggs, Soybeans, Milk

What 200 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Dublin
Great for Brunch
Dublin
Outdoor Dining
Dublin
Sunday Lunch
Dublin 2
Great for Brunch
Dublin 2
Business Meals
Dublin 2
Great for Lunch
Dublin 2
Outdoor Dining
Dublin 2
Sunday Lunch

Sort by

Filters

LJ
LaurenJ
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
Absolutely amazing food and atmosphere! Service was abit slow but nothing major
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience2
Service was very bad, waiters were slow and uninterested. Food wasn’t cooked properly. Very disappointing
BG
BethanyG
Seattle
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had a fun time here. Service was exceptionally friendly and attentive. The space is small and was very loud when full. The kitchen made special accommodations for our dietary restrictions and we all enjoyed our meal— especially the dessert.
G
Gemma
Dublin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for brunch, great food and cocktails. Really enjoyed
j
johannem
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall2food3service3ambience2
Disappointed with the outdoor space. Not really outdoors just a room at the back of the bar with a covered roof and fake flowers. Could definitely make a better effort with the planting. Food was ok menu limited.
BB
BernieB
Dublin
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Service was slow table booked for 5.30pm as going to Paul McKenna at 7.30pm. Took nearly an hour to get a glass of wine. Service was slow reception said they were short staffed. Food was average. Ordered deserts and tea at 6.50. By 7.25 we had to cancel as show was starting. We were last in to show and couldn't sit together because of delay in restaurant. After show bar refused to sell us a glass of coke as we were not residents. We won't be returning to the Alex Hote.
K
Kate
London
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience1
No selection of sauces for the dishes Mimosa processo was flat. It was cold blankets not provided. All diners put together which is uncomfortable felt we couldn't even speak. Waiters English was poor so unfortunately couldn't understand my request. Shame as alot of bloggers rave about it. No signage to the secret garden.
SM
SkaiM
Dublin
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience3
Cocktails were amazing but the overall experience was very average and did not live up to the expectations. The service was quite slow, I had to wait for 5 minutes to be seated - the restaurant was empty and there were 3 staff standing behind the bar chatting. The lobster roll had a sprinkle of lobster on it. The outdoor area we sat in was very cold and we had to ask the waitress to turn the heaters on. I had also left a note with the booking that we are celebrating an engagement but that was not acknowledged in any way. We really expected more from The Alex.
PQ
PawailQ
Dublin
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience4
Went for a Sunday brunch at noon. While the place looks gorgeous and the ambiance was very nice, the service was very poor. I get that there's an industry-wide shortage of staff, but the floor staff was just not present. The food itself was quite mediocre, and the mimosas were watered down trash. Not a good experience at all.
IF
InternationalFoodie
Philadelphia
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
Food was very mediocre. Service was very slow waited for water and drinks for table for 20 min after we sat down. I probably won’t return to be honest
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
I had been in twice before for dinner, which was lovely both times. Service was good, waiters were attentive and helpful. The food wasn’t great however. The soup was bland and required a lot of salt to get any kind of taste off it and the bread it came with was like a savoury cake, very weird. The bread that the club sandwich was served on was hard, tasteless and very crumbly which made eating the sandwich difficult and took away from the taste of the contents of the sandwich. I’ll be back again for dinner but not for lunch. The food was very underwhelming.
AC
AmandaC
Dublin
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Lovely space with good food and great service. Will visit again
C
Caitriona
Dublin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Beautiful venue with friendly staff. Service was a little slow considering it wasn’t that busy. Brunch menu cocktails were great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience4
Starter of prawns & chorizo was very tasty but drowned in oil and accompanying sauce had no function as no sort of carb to dip or use to capture the flavour. Main beef stroganoff was extremely poor, the cream had split and the beef was tough and over cooked. Dessert of chocolate cake was pretty decent to finish. Starter took over 30mins to arrive when the place was pretty empty. For a lovely place and setting, the food was subpar.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing the place, the garden area is perfect. I would like to congratulate the staff, nice people, including Eric, he made us very comfortable and even made us laugh a lot. Congrats
The Secret Garden @ The AlexResponded on January 22, 2022
Thanks for your review. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your dinning in our Secret Garden and in special our staff Eric. I will make sure to pass onto him your comment. Best wishes, Sidney De Camargo Restaurant Manager
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very comfortable surroundings with beautifully coloured and positioned flowers. Tables are at a nice distance so there is no disruption from other tables. Menu offers a reasonable choice and food was well presented. I will definitely eat here again and arrange to spend even more time 😊
J
Jmarie
Dublin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Very beautiful place.. lovely staff. Food was just ok.
K
Kasia
Dublin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 12, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
Overall very good experience, nice and quiet place but a bit too expensive for 2 ppl, staff very friendly and kind
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2021
overall3food5service2ambience5
Food was gorgeous! Services wasn’t great, it was like the servers avoided the table
SH
SarahH
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was really good and our waitress was so lovey. Excellent overall.
KS
KellyS
Dublin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall4food5service3ambience5
Fab hidden spot. Perfect for brunch and a catch up!
G
Grace
Dublin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall3food5service3ambience4
The food was lovely but the service was very slow, it took 40-50 minutes to receive our food after ordering it. The staff were accommodating as we asked to move tables as we got a strong draft from the open door at our previous table.
K
Kenny1979
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
We held our wedding reception at the Alex Hotel on 22.11.2021. Very professional service,helpful and friendly staff, special thanks to Lukas and Eric who went out of their way to make our day special. Food was fabulous and service was excellent.
ES
ElenaS
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful place, food was very taste and the atmosphere was great.
AB
AnnB
Dublin
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2021
overall2food2service1ambience3
I booked a table on OpenTable and on the website it said that after 12pm the breakfast menu would be finished and it would be the lunch menu. I got there at 1.30 and when they gave me the breakfast menu, I asked for the lunch menu and they said that the website wasn't updated properly and that they only serve that after 3pm. Overall the options weren't that good and I wanted real food not breakfast. I had the breakfast salad and it was way too greasy. Overall it wasn't a pleasant experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The secret garden is a gorgeous spot for brunch/late brunch. The menu is beautiful and derives provided is excellent. Would highly recommend!
A
Avril
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food and atmosphere of this outdoor area was beautiful. It was nice and cosy especially given the time we went - mid November. Myself and a friend had the brunch menu and there was plenty of the usual items - pancakes, granola etc.. but there was also very different and exotic options to suit different tastes which was very nice. I don't know what the lunch/dinner menu is like but I would go again to the secret garden as it is also very pretty and picture worthy. I definitely recommend it especially for their brunch.
SG
SassyG
San Francisco
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2021
overall2food2service2ambience1
One expects a bit more from a restaurant that charges 20€ per person for a reservation. They overcharged us for a more expensive bottle of wine. I'm pretty sure they put the burrata pasta in the microwave, because the cheese had disintegrated on the pasta and there was a pool of oil in the bottom of the dish. This is very common when microwaving cheese, which "breaks" the cheese into it's solids and fats, leaving the oil at the bottom. There was maybe half a fresh tomato cut up and maybe 3-4 leaves of spinach. It was really the level of quality you give to a child. The garden area is badly and brightly lit in the evening. The only saving grace is the flowers on the ceiling but apart from that it looks like any fast restaurant you stop at on the highway. A sad disappointment.
MR
MarieR
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Attentive, friendly staff. Good food, lovely decor in a relaxed setting. Enjoyed our evening in the Alex.
VM
VirginiaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great, thr ambience was really nice and the steak was absolutely divine! Thank you 😊.
G
Gillygildawg
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience4
I celebrated my 30th birthday here last night. The outdoor setting is decorated beautifully. Staff were very friendly and attentive. They were accommodating with drinks they didn’t have on the menu. Food was very tasty. Will definitely be back again :)
J
Josh
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2021
overall2food2service4ambience4
Crab cakes were great but the steak was cold and blue in the middle with no flavour with ridiculous excuse for chips, it was just potatoes skins?? Food just was not nice whatsoever. Chicken Milanese was bland and dry, the only good thing about the meal was the crab cakes that’s it. Very disappointed considering how nice the dining area was and how expensive the food is.
C
Christine
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The atmosphere was so beautiful and I appreciate the quiet and peaceful ambience
HR
HannahR
Dublin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was so tasty sticky toffee pudding was amazing I enjoyed everything was beautiful scenery with the secret garden outside area
JM
JoanM
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience5
Lovely meal, reasonably priced. Lovely outside space. Helpful staff
KB
KarlaB
London
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2021
overall5food3service5ambience5
Fantastic service, really friendly staff. Amazing cocktails
CO
CharleneO
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful 😍 food amazing Staff so friendly will definitely be back
R
Roise
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a meal and drinks with 6 friends this weekend, it was a good venue and service. Very friendly staff. Mil thanks to Sidney and the young gent who served our meal patiently and To Lucas who gave us The Snug to accommodate us, same to you too Onri and Marcia?..definitely recommend to friends and family..
MO
MikeONeill
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Marie Giulia and Catelyn did a great job!! We’ll be back soon. Thanks!
K
Kris
Dublin
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, excellent service. It was our 2 year anniversary and they wrote a lovely message on our dessert. Would absolutely go again and recommend fully!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
- Proof of vaccination required to dine outdoors
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Secret Garden @ The Alex is rated 4.5 stars by 200 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Google Map for The Secret Garden @ The Alex

The Alex Hotel 41-47 Fenian Street Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 H678

Additional information

Neighborhood
South City Centre
Hours of operation
Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Irish
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Hotel Parking
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thealexhotel.ie/eat-drink/
Phone number
(01) 607 3700
Catering
The Alex welcomes you to dine and socialise in style. Come and experience the relaxed vibe of our dining spaces, serving up fresh, locally-sourced food and an extensive drinks menu.<br />
Private party facilities
Dine and socialise in The Alex’s stylish bar and restaurant The Carriage, enjoy freshly grounded coffee at STEAM and unwind while dining al fresco at The Secret Garden.

Come and experience the relaxed vibe of our stylish setting and try one of our specialities over a carefully crafted cocktail.

The Secret Garden @ The Alex

Make a reservation

Additional information

Starters

Soup of the Day€7.00

Seared Crab Cake€12.50

Duck Pancakes€9.50

Baked Prawn & Chorizo€15.00

Deep Fried Brie€9.50

Salads

Classic Caesar Salad

Spicy Duck Confit€13.50

Buddha Bowl€11.50

Falafel Bowl€11.50

Mains

Beer-Battered Cod & Chips€18.50

Beef Burger€17.00

Baked Cod€17.50

10oz Striploin Steak€26.00

Chicken Milanese€16.00

Burrata Pappardelle€15.50

Piri-Piri Turkey Burger€17.00

Sandwiches

Chicken Club€14.50

Duo Cheese Toastie€9.50

Steak Sandwich€16.50

Vegan Sausage Sandwich€12.50

Sides

Loaded Parmesan Fries

House Cut Chips

Sweet Potato Fries

Zucchini Chips

Desserts

Dark Chocolate & Coconut Tart

Homemade Brownie

Paganini Baileys Cheesecake

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is The Secret Garden @ The Alex restaurant rated?

Is The Secret Garden @ The Alex currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information